need suspension advice

I recently bought a 2011 Tacoma TRD, 4.0 L V-6, 6 speed manual, to replace a 2000 Tacoma with a 2.0 L 4-cyl, 5 speed manual. The main reason I leveled up is because the 2 L engine wouldn't pull my boat up steep hills or over mtn. passes. The boat and trailer only weighs 3500 lbs but has a tongue weight of about 550 lbs. I put Timbrens on the 2000 Tacoma and those worked well when towing the boat around town, but rattled my teeth when the truck was empty or lightly loaded. Any suggestions on upgrades I can do to the rear suspension, with out sacrificing ride comfort when not towing the boat would be most appreciated...

Thanks - Mac

 

Sounds like air bags and day star cradles are what you are looking for.

 

What he said ^

 

Airbags. @TownvilleTim can chime in on this.

 

Ride rites and daystar cradles are your friend. I tow about what you are Towing plus usually a lot in the bed. No squat and you don't know they are there when not in use. I ran the air lines out beside each tail light so they are easy to hit with a bike pump when I hitch up. It only takes about 15 psi to level it up.

 

If you're stock height now I'd do a mini-pack and Fox 2.0 adjustable rear shock. The mini-pack will raise ride height so you're not bottomed out when towing and the adjustable shock will let you control the damping so it doesn't get bouncy and doesn't bottom out.